Swiss Air Force takes final EC635
The last of 20 EC635 helicopters for the Swiss Air Force has been assembled and is ready for delivery.
The Swiss Government's procurement agency, armasuisse says the light transport and training helicopter (LTSH) programme is on track as part of the Armament programme agreed in 2005.
The first four were built by Eurocopter's in Germany, while final assembly of the remaining 16 was undertaken by RUAG Aviation in Alpnach. All 16 helicopters, which are based at Alpnach were delivered by the contract deadline. The first aircraft was delivered in July 2008 to the Air Force. Armasuisse says that final assembly in Switzerland has been beneficial providing better system knowledge, care and maintenance.
The Swiss Air Force plan to complete the type's introductory phase by mid-2010 and the fleet can then begin daily operations.
Early experience of the new EC635 has confirmed the type satisfies the Air Force's requirements. Pilots appreciate the EC635's logically laid-out cockpit which is similar to that found on the Cougar, also operated by the Swiss Air Force. This familiarity means crews quickly feel 'home and secure.'
The new EC635s replace the Alouette III which will go out of service by the end of 2010. Two of the new helicopters are operated by the Federal Air Transport Services in the VIP transport role from Bern-Belp.
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